My 98 16' LD bought a few weeks ago had the electric brake wires cut on the backside of each backing plate.
Today, I pulled each wheel and drum off to find: no brakes present on either side! Both 10 in drums/hubs are rusty on inner sides (as well as outside) but no signs of any wear markings. Both backing plates are also rusted heavily and as mentioned, there are no shoes, springs, magnets or anything else present to indicate whether brakes were ever present.
I do want brakes but wonder if I can/should try to have the drums and plates salvaged by a shop like uhaul or somewhere else or just order new sets from etrailer.
Any suggestions?

I just order the whole assemblies (minus drums) whenever brakes are shot, as that way magnets, brake pads, springs, clips, etc. are all new. Just requires removal of 4 nuts and it all comes off completely. Bolt on the new, grease the bearings and replace the seal, and connect the brake wires.....you're done.
Dave & Paula

Complete brake assemblys for 10" brakes can be purchased from Eastern Marine for about $30 a wheel or you can upgrade to "self adjusting" for $40 a wheel. These assemblys consist of new backing plates, shoes, springs and magnets. You'll probably need new nuts to attach the plates to the axle. All the parts and freight shouldn't be more than $120 with freight. Tighten 4 nuts and splice wires and that is about it. You should be able to clean up the drums unless they are really rusty. Eastern Marine has drums and hubs if you need them. You probably have a Dexter distibutor in your area. Check the Dexter website. The local Dexter distributor would be an excellent source and no shipping charge.

There as a left and right assembly so if you decide to do this yourself be sure you order the correct parts.

When I had ordered my replacements from Scamp, I was told that the "leading arm configuration vs. a trailing arm suspensions will require the "left" to be placed on the "right" side of the trailer.
Dave & Paula

If your not mechanically inclined any mechanic can replace the brake assemblies for you.
Order the brake assemblies yourself and have the brake drums cleaned up, turned, by a brake shop.
They are no different than auto brakes other than being electric vs. hydraulic.
RV shops will rip you off.